The kids are on the field and the win is on the books, so I couldn't even start writing until the clock hit zero. I apologize to Michigan fans for counting myself among nonbelievers. I apologize for my doubts, my pessimistic takes, and my anti-Harbaugh sentiment. After 10 years of Buckeye dominance, Jim Harbaugh has finally achieved what everyone was starting to believe was impossible. The Big House was covered in snow.
I had no hope of a close game after last week's performance. The Michigan team was embarrassed by the Ohio State team. Alabama looked like they were playing a token opponent, making quick work of Sparty and locking in the second spot in the rankings. I wrote last week that they were hitting their stride and that C.J. Stroud was making a great case for the Heisman. The Michigan secondary was all over the Ohio State quarterback, limiting his opportunities for long passes and holding him to 64 yards on the ground.
The only player in history to rack up five rushing touchdown in a game against Ohio State was the second Michigan player, and that player was Hassan Haskins. The Michigan run game has looked good all season and looked absolutely dominant today, as Haskins and Corum sliced through the Ohio State defensive line with ease. The Michigan team played a clean game, throwing only a single interception early in the game that could have been a real hit to the team, but they didn't. The Michigan defense was absolutely dominant on both sides of the ball.
Even though Ohio State was down by 15 they were still in the game, because it was Ohio State and it was Michigan. The defensive end made 13 sacks for the season, a Michigan record, with three today. You can prepare all you want, but sometimes one team just beats the other, and with this win, the UM will advance to their first Big Ten Championship Game in history and the Buckeyes will fall out of playoff contention. Michigan played some really good football today and there is nothing else to say. This is one of those times where fans have been rushing the field too often, but it is justified and deserved.
Harbaugh was grinning ear to ear in his postgame interview, as he should be, as he just extended his leeway at Michigan at least several more years with this decisive W.
A junior Michigan student said, "ahshHAHAHAHGGGA." This is the best day of my life.
